Apple and Google Urged to Offer Alternative UK Payment Paths

Facilitated Developer Sales

$1.4 trillion

The amount facilitated by the App Store in developer sales/billings during 2025.

Commission-Free Transactions

90%

Percentage of transactions for which developers paid no commission to Apple.

§ 01 Executive Snapshot

What: The CMA proposed lifting restrictions that prevent app developers from directing users to alternative payment methods.
Who: Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), Apple, Google, developers, and consumers.
Why it matters: This proposal aims to enhance competition in the mobile payment ecosystem and provide more choices for users and developers.

The CMA expects steering fees to be lower than current app store charges, with savings returned to UK consumers or invested in developers' businesses.
The CMA is designing a requirement to allow developers access to near field communication (NFC) functionality for contactless transactions within iOS apps.
Apple reported that the app store facilitated over $1.4 trillion in developer sales/billings during 2025, with 90% of transactions being commission-free.

Historically, Apple's app store policies have faced criticism and legal challenges in multiple regions, including the EU and U.S., highlighting ongoing tensions between app developers and platform providers.
The CMA’s proposal fits into a broader narrative of regulatory scrutiny on major tech companies regarding their market dominance and the impact on competition and innovation.

The immediate consequence may be a shift in the competitive landscape of mobile payments, potentially allowing new payment methods and services to emerge.
Long-term implications could include reduced fees for developers and consumers, fostering innovation in financial technologies and digital services.

Potential risks include pushback from Apple and Google, which argue that the changes could undermine consumer protections and lead to increased fraud.
Regulatory approval and implementation of these changes may face delays, impacting the timeline for developers to access new payment functionalities.

The CMA's proposal is ongoing, with no specified timeline for implementation or regulatory approval.
Future developments will hinge on reactions from Apple and Google, as well as any subsequent legal challenges or adjustments to app store policies.

§ 07

What is the CMA proposing regarding app payment methods?

The CMA proposed lifting restrictions that prevent app developers from directing users to alternative payment methods.

Why is the CMA's proposal important?

This proposal aims to enhance competition in the mobile payment ecosystem and provide more choices for users and developers.

How might the CMA's proposal affect app developers and consumers?

The CMA expects steering fees to be lower than current app store charges, potentially leading to reduced fees for developers and consumers.

Who could be impacted by the CMA's proposal?

The proposal affects Apple, Google, developers, and consumers in the mobile payment ecosystem.